At least six people were killed and over 50 injured in a stampede during the annual Lairai Devi jatra at the Sree Devi Lairai temple in Shirgaon, Goa, early Saturday. The incident occurred about 40 kilometers from Panaji as panic spread among the large gathering of devotees, leading to chaos and a rush for safety. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people struggled to escape the dense crowd, and the injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed their sorrow over the tragic loss of life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa.The PMO India handle in post on X said,“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM @narendramodi”
Chief Minister Sawant visited the hospital to support the injured and assured that all possible help would be given to affected families. He mentioned he is personally overseeing the situation to ensure that necessary measures are implemented.
“I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken,” he wrote on X.
“Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time,” he added.
While the exact cause of the stampede remains unconfirmed, initial reports indicate that overcrowding and inadequate crowd control might have contributed to the incident. The Lairai Devi jatra, celebrated annually in Shirgaon, honors Goddess Lairai, regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities in Goan folklore.
The festival is famous for its distinctive rituals, notably the ‘Agnidivya’ fire-walking ceremony in which devotees, known as Dhonds, walk barefoot over burning coals to seek blessings. This annual event attracts thousands of participants from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
However, a stampede occurred, prompting Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to label it an “unfortunate incident.” Immediate measures have been taken to manage the situation, including coordination with the national emergency ambulance service, 108, which dispatched five ambulances to the scene, three stationed at Asilo and two on standby until conditions improve.
A total of 30 casualties have been reported: eight patients are in critical condition, including two who are intubated and transferred to Goa Medical College (GMC) for specialized care. Tragically, four individuals were found dead on arrival, and eight are receiving treatment at Asilo, while ten others were treated for minor injuries and two patients have been discharged. Rane noted that ten current patients are serious and under observation in GMC’s casualty department. To enhance care, additional doctors have been mobilized, and a specialized ICU with ventilators has been established. All necessary arrangements are in place, with a commitment to closely monitor each patient’s condition, ensuring health services remain on high alert.
